Albums to watch

Livin' On A High Note

Mavis Staples

Livin' On A High Note

The latest release from the veteran gospel and soul legend features songs written especially for her by Nick Cave, Justin Vernon, tUnE-yArds and producer M Ward

ADM rating[?]

7.1

Label
Anti / Epitaph
UK Release date
19/02/2016
US Release date
19/02/2016
  1. 8.0 |   The Music

    It's an interesting combination of redemption and despair, although it's not always easy to guess which artist gave it which flavour
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  2. 8.0 |   The FT

    Her voice has aged magnificently: thicker-sounding, a bit growly, manoeuvring around the songs with easy phrasing and dramatic flourishes
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  3. 8.0 |   Q

    This fine album reaches way beyond the church. Print edition only

  4. 8.0 |   Uncut

    A wonderfully chiselled Stax forgery. Print edition only

  5. 8.0 |   Evening Standard

    Still fighting the good fight
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  6. 8.0 |   Rolling Stone

    Addresses spiritual and political matters with minimal abstraction: You either step up, or step off
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  7. 8.0 |   PopMatters

    She may be livin’ on a high note, but she never forgets her personal set of values
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  8. 7.5 |   Under The Radar

    Such a stellar cast would typically take the spotlight, but Ward makes sure everything (and everyone) remains in orbit 'round the 75-year-old artist
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  9. 7.5 |   Consequence Of Sound

    Take a bow, Ms. Staples. If happiness and joy was what you’ve sought to bring to the world, you’ve delivered
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  10. 7.4 |   Pitchfork

    The tempos on here percolate amiably, with flashes of horns and bold basslines supplied by members of her longtime backing band
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  11. 7.0 |   Spectrum Culture

    Livin’ on a High Note is a gift for fans
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  12. 6.0 |   Beardfood

    The songs don't match her gospel ambitions
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  13. 6.0 |   NOW

    It's always a pleasure to let Staples's effortlessly warm voice wash over you
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  14. 6.0 |   The Observer

    You wish more of Staples’ collaborators had followed her example by taking some risks
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  15. 6.0 |   The Guardian

    Staples is at her best when there’s a hint of agony amid the ecstasy
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  16. 6.0 |   Mojo

    Mavis tries to stamp authority on songs written by Ward's musician pals. Print edition only


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Mavis Staples: Livin' On A High Note

  • Download full album for just £9.49
  • 1. Take Us Back £0.99
  • 2. Love And Trust £0.99
  • 3. If It's A Light £0.99
  • 4. Action £0.99
  • 5. High Note £0.99
  • 6. Don't Cry £0.99
  • 7. Tomorrow £0.99
  • 8. Dedicated £0.99
  • 9. History, Now £0.99
  • 10. One Love £0.99
  • 11. Jesus Lay Down Beside Me £0.99
  • 12. MLK Song £0.99
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